Remembering Karo


Karolina A. Kurka (1984 - 2011)

Karolina KurkaOn July 21, 2011, after three days of hospitalization following a ruptured brain aneurysm, Karolina passed away surrounded by her beloved family and closest friends. When this sudden tragedy occurred, Karolina was working out at the gym, one of the many activities in life she enjoyed. Karolina was born on March 5, 1984 in Portland, ME a daughter of Jan and Mira (Mikolajczyk) Kurka. Karolina's father, Jan, passed away two weeks after Karolina from a sudden stroke that occurred on July 20, 2011. Karolina is survived and loved by her immediate family; mother Mira Kurka Callahan, step father Steve Callahan, brother Robert Kurka and his fiancée Jessica Pellerin; Karolina's fiancée John Condosta, and his parents Maureen and Pete Condosta, along with many other family members and friends that touched her life in so many ways.

Karolina attended Scarborough Schools and then went on to graduate with high honors from the University of New Hampshire with a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. Karolina was an active sister of Chi Omega Sorority. After college Karolina resided with her fiancée John Condosta and black lab Kali in Portsmouth, NH. She worked for Clipper Harbor Care and Rehabilitation Center also in Portsmouth. She participated in continuing education in the area of Dementia. In 2009, she was awarded the Resident Advocate of the Year Award in Orlando, FL, for her strong belief and ability to make a huge difference in resident advocacy. Clipper Harbor honored Karolina in memory by naming the National Award as the Karolina A. Kurka Resident Advocacy of the Year Award.

Karolina had a special way of touching everyone she met with her big heart, open arms and infectious laugh. She loved working in her garden with her mom. She loved filling her home with friends and family. And from a young age, Karolina loved spending time with and caring for children. Karolina was a nanny for many families and was looking forward to starting her own family with John. Karolina and John were planning and elated to be married on October 1, 2011 in Portsmouth, NH.

Karolina was also passionate about fitness. She worked out regularly and participated in the Dansk Triathlon for Breast Cancer in September 2010 in Massachusetts. Karolina loved traveling with friends and family. John and Karolina traveled frequently to Florida and visited many other cities throughout the U.S. together. She loved spending summer weekends with her family on Sebago Lake -boating, swimming and just having fun together.

In honor and in love and remembrance of our angel Karolina, please join us in spreading the awareness that Brain Aneurysms it is a silent killer and our goal is to save at least one person and family by recognizing the symptoms and to put a stop to the suffering and pain of this sudden tragedy. Thank You.

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